The Humble Beginnings of a Tech Giant

Lei Jun, the founder of Xiaomi, has a story that reads like a tech enthusiast’s dream. Born in Xiantao, Hubei, in 1969, his early life was marked by a keen interest in electronics. Despite the challenges of growing up in a rural area, Lei’s passion for technology was evident. He was the child who disassembled radios only to put them back together, a pastime encouraged by his teacher parents. This curiosity and ingenuity led to his first invention – an electric lamp, a remarkable achievement in his village. His educational journey took him to Wuhan University, where he pursued computer science, laying the groundwork for his future entrepreneurial ventures.

Lei’s professional career began at Kingsoft, where he quickly ascended to the CEO position. Under his leadership, Kingsoft made significant strides, culminating in a successful IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Despite stepping down from Kingsoft in 2007 for health reasons, Lei’s entrepreneurial spirit remained undimmed. His ventures outside Kingsoft included Joyo.com, an online bookstore he later sold to Amazon, and a million-dollar investment in YY, which dramatically multiplied in value.

Xiaomi’s Meteoric Rise

In 2010, the birth of Xiaomi marked a new chapter in Lei’s journey. Partnering with Lin Bin, a former Google executive, Lei’s vision for Xiaomi was clear – to produce high-quality smartphones at a fraction of the cost of its competitors. This strategy paid off handsomely, with Xiaomi rapidly gaining traction in the Chinese market. By 2014, Xiaomi’s innovative approach and aggressive pricing strategy had paid off, catapulting the company to a valuation exceeding $46 billion, making it the most valuable technology startup at the time. Xiaomi’s record-breaking online sales of 2.1 million smartphones in just 12 hours in 2014 is a testament to its brand strength and market appeal.

Lei’s influence extended beyond Xiaomi. He co-founded Shunwei Capital, investing in various sectors, and returned to Kingsoft as chairman. His contributions to the tech industry have been widely recognized, earning him spots on prestigious lists like Forbes’ Businessman of the Year and Time 100.

Philanthropy and Personal Life

Lei’s success is not just measured in financial terms. His commitment to philanthropy is equally impressive. From donating to his alma mater to supporting various charitable causes, Lei’s generosity has had a far-reaching impact. His significant donations, including over $2.2 billion worth of Xiaomi shares, highlight his dedication to giving back to society.

Lei Jun’s journey from a curious child in a small village to the head of one of the world’s leading tech companies is not just inspiring; it’s a blueprint for innovation, perseverance, and social responsibility. At Xiaomi for All, we celebrate Lei Jun’s vision and leadership, which continue to drive Xiaomi’s mission to bring technology to everyone, everywhere.

Table: Lei Jun’s Key Milestones

Year	Milestone
1969	Born in Xiantao, Hubei
1991	Graduated from Wuhan University
1998	Became CEO of Kingsoft
2007	Stepped down from Kingsoft
2010	Founded Xiaomi
2014	Xiaomi valued at over $46 billion
2021	Donated $2.2 billion in Xiaomi shares to charity

Lei Jun

Discover the inspiring journey of Lei Jun, from his humble beginnings to founding Xiaomi, a global tech powerhouse, in this detailed article.
Tags: Lei Jun, Xiaomi, Kingsoft, Lin Bin, Chinese entrepreneurs, tech innovators, Wuhan University, philanthropy, Joyo.com, Shunwei Capital, smartphones, technology.

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